Crime
Sadie Gochis killed in Homosassa shooting, suspect Michael McClellan surrendered and in custody
HOMOSASSA, Fla. — A deadly shooting and hours-long standoff in Citrus County on Friday drew assistance from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, including its SWAT team, as authorities worked to bring the situation under control.
According to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to a residence on South Palmer Avenue in Homosassa at approximately 9:00 a.m. following reports of gunfire.
Upon arrival, deputies heard additional shots coming from inside the home.
A juvenile who had been inside the residence managed to escape to a neighbor’s home, where he informed deputies that 37-year-old Michael Lee McClellan was inside and had shot a woman later identified as Sadie Gochis.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team responded to assist in securing the perimeter and containing the situation.
Negotiators engaged McClellan for several hours before he ultimately surrendered without further incident.
Upon entering the residence, deputies discovered that Sadie Gochis had died from her injuries.
“This was an emotional and dangerous situation from the start,” said Citrus County Sheriff David Vincent. “Our teams remained calm, focused, and worked tenaciously to prevent further loss of life. While we’re grateful the situation didn’t escalate further, we’re saddened by the tragic outcome. Our hearts go out to the family of the victim.”
Officials stated that details regarding formal charges against McClellan will be released as the investigation continues.
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office expressed appreciation to Citrus County Fire Rescue for their rapid response and treatment of minor heat-related issues among personnel at the scene.
Sheriff Billy Woods and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team were also commended for their professional and timely assistance, which authorities say was instrumental in resolving the standoff safely.
SPENCER, OKLAHOMA — Authorities have confirmed that a 17-year-old student was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon following a violent altercation near Star Spencer High School in Spencer, Oklahoma.
According to the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded shortly after an altercation broke out among a group of juveniles near the intersection of Northeast 34th Street and Spencer Road.
During the confrontation, one of the individuals reportedly produced a firearm and opened fire, striking a male teenager.
Emergency personnel transported the victim to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The victim was later identified by Oklahoma City Public Schools officials as 17-year-old Sebastian Guyton, a student at Star Spencer High School.
Following the shooting, law enforcement initiated a search of the area. One suspect was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit, though authorities have not yet released additional details regarding the individual’s identity or potential charges.
As a precaution, several nearby schools were placed on temporary lockdown while officers secured the area.
Classes at Star Spencer High School have been canceled for the remainder of the week in light of the tragedy.
In a statement released Wednesday, Star Spencer High School officials expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their student:
“Please help keep our Bobcat family and friends in your thoughts during this very difficult time,” the statement read.
The Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.